A Shuttle Development-Flight-Test Vehicle Study

Abstract

A study has been completed that identifies the potential performance capability of the production shuttle orbiter for powered flight tests using several propulsion systems following vertical takeoff and using J-2 rocket engines following air launch. Of the approaches considered, the air-launched orbiter equipped with J-2 rocket engines appeared to have the highest potential for early shuttle development flights. With this approach, Mach 4 appeared attainable using 45.5K kg (100K lb) of internal propellant. Several issues were identified that require resolution to prove feasibility. Space vehicles, Aerodynamics, Propulsion systems.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1974
Accession Number
ADA280161

Entities

People

  • John J. Rehder
  • Phillip J. Klich
  • Robert W. Rainey

Organizations

  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Launched
  • Altitude
  • Ascent Trajectories
  • Center Of Gravity
  • Dynamic Pressure
  • Engines
  • Flight
  • Flight Paths
  • Load Distribution
  • Propellant Tanks
  • Propulsion Systems
  • Rocket Engines
  • Sea Level
  • Takeoff
  • Test Vehicles
  • Trajectories
  • Vehicles

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Aerospace Engineering.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster